Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time and, again, the committee for bringing this concurrent resolution to the House floor, as is our annual responsibility, to authorize the use of the Capitol grounds for the Special Olympic Law Enforcement Torch Run.

The gentlewoman and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Dent), representing the majority, have well explained the purpose of the Special Olympics and the Torch Run. But I just want to take a moment to pay tribute to Sarge Shriver, who for so many years has been the inspiration behind, and the organizational force of, the Special Olympics. It really has become synonymous with Sarge Shriver. This event, which has become so widely admired, so greatly appreciated, has just made an enormous difference for young, middle-aged and older mentally disabled persons, reinforcing their self-confidence, building self-esteem, and improving the quality of their health as they prepare for and participate in the Special Olympics.

From time to time on Sunday I see Sarge Shriver at our Lady of Mercy Parish where I participate in mass when I am in the Washington Area. It just pains me as I see Sarge Shriver overcome by the mental ravages of Alzheimer's. Even with this dreadful disease he certainly functions well, and his body is strong, and his mind is clear. But one can see the ravages of this dreaded ailment. And for one who has given so much to so many people for so many years, it just brings home to me every time I see him this enormous contribution that he has made so selflessly over the many years.

Eunice Shriver, who took over the Kennedy family initiative on behalf of the mentally disabled, played a strong, forceful role in my hometown with the publisher of our hometown newspaper, Veda Ponikvar, in building and commissioning the Range Center for the mentally retarded, bringing people who have been neglected, held in homes, shut away in closets and downstairs rooms and attics and bringing them out into the world and giving them an opportunity for self-esteem, for self- confidence, to learn skills, to be productive members of our community.

And so across the country, those who have been helped by the Shriver family and the Kennedy inspiration for the programs to support those with mental disabilities, the Special Olympics stands out as the premier activity nationwide to give respect, recognition, full membership in society to those not so fortunate as the rest of us.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 135) authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

House Concurrent Resolution 135 authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the 20th annual District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run to take place on June 10, 2005. The Special Olympics is an international organization dedicated to using athletics to impact the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Funds raised through projects like the Law Enforcement Torch Run make it possible for athletes with disabilities to train and compete year round.

The Special Olympics offers something that is seldom offered to these individuals. It creates an environment where persons with disabilities are

fully accepted, encouraged and empowered. Through training and competition, Special Olympics athletes grow mentally and physically, improving their physical fitness and motor skills and ultimately gaining greater self-confidence. With more than 85,000 law enforcement officers carrying the flame across 35 nations, the 2004 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run raised more than $20.5 million. This event has historically been the largest and most successful Special Olympics grassroots fundraiser and awareness vehicle, and with the authorization of House Concurrent Resolution 135, we will ensure its continued success.

The sponsors of the event will work with the Architect of the Capitol and the United States Capitol Police to comply with all the applicable regulations relating to the use of the Capitol Grounds and will assume responsibility for all expenses and liabilities related to the event.

I encourage my colleagues to join the law enforcement community in supporting the Special Olympics and join me in supporting this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the many police and peace officers across this country who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our families and our communities safe, and to lend my support to H. Con. Res. 135, which authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service.

During this year's service, on May 15, our nation will honor one more fallen hero from Minnesota's Capital City. Last week my community was stunned and saddened by the death of St. Paul Police Sgt. Gerald Vick, who was killed in an act of senseless violence in the line of duty. Sgt. Vick knew well the dangers of his job, yet he exemplified the great bravery and selfless commitment of our city's finest.

After graduating from St. Paul's police academy in 1989, Sgt. Vick's career had ``upward mobility,'' written all over it, according to the city's former chief of police. His personnel file was filled with approving letters from the chief. Sgt. Vick went above and beyond to protect our community and keep it a safe and healthy place to raise a family, After being promoted to sergeant in 1999 where he could have taken a much safer desk job, he only wanted to get back on the streets to the part of the job he love the most--working with the community.

Twice Sgt. Vick was awarded the St. Paul Police Department's highest honor, the Medal of Valor. The first time was in 1990 when he saved an infant from a burning building, then again in 1997 when he shot and killed an armed robbery suspect who pulled a gun on him. Sgt. Vick served for 16 years on the Saint Paul police force and was a true public servant. Jerry died on May 6, 2005 protecting the community--the job he loved so much. He will be deeply missed by his family, his friends, and his fellow officers.

I wish to express my sincere condolences as well as my thoughts and prayers to all those who loved and worked with Sgt. Gerald Vick.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, this event needs little introduction. 2005 marks the 38th anniversary of the District Special Olympics. The torch relay event is a traditional part of the opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics, which will take place at Gallaudet University in the District of Columbia. This event has become a highlight on Capitol Hill and is an integral part of the Special Olympics.

In the early 1960s, Eunice Kennedy Shriver started a day camp for people with mental retardation, and the Special Olympics were born. The games help mentally challenged individuals gain confidence and self- esteem through friendly competition in a supportive environment.

Today, more than 1 million children and adults with special needs participate in the Special Olympics programs worldwide. Here in our Nation's capital, approximately 2,500 Special Olympians compete in dozens of events each year, and they are cheered on by their family members and friends. This inspirational event is due in large part to the efforts of thousands of volunteers from the greater Washington, D.C. area. And these individuals deserve our thanks and our assistance.

I enthusiastically support this resolution and the very worthwhile endeavor of the Special Olympics. I urge support for House Concurrent Resolution 135.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), ranking member on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

(Mr. OBERSTAR asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the en bloc consideration of the following concurrent resolutions which were received from the House: H. Con. Res. 86, H. Con. Res. 135, H. Con. Res. 136.

I ask unanimous consent that the concurrent resolutions be agreed to and the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table en bloc.